Well, it's been a long time since I last blogged, and there have been tons of experiences over the last few weeks. First off, a wonderful going-away party was organized for me in Calgary. I was able to see my friends/cousin before leaving for Toronto. I received some terrific gifts and cards from everyone. I have a wonderful group of friends out there that I will miss.
Andrea surprised me with a flight out to Calgary to share the driving with me on the trip home. Now THAT’S a friend. We left on the Friday and drove for 11 hrs the first day. Stayed the first night in a small city in North Dakota called Minot. For all of your Canadians out there, it’s not pronounced “minnow”; it’s actually pronounced “My Not.” We had a chuckle about that one. Second day we drove 13 hrs and stopped to eat at a local diner right out of the movies. We stepped up to the long counter and sat to eat our breakfast beside two regular patrons. It was Mel’s Diner revisited. Stayed the second night in Janesville Wisconsin – at the local Motel 6 – which was rented out by the hour, no doubt. Poor Andrea woke up with two mysterious bug bites on her legs. We left without showering because it was a questionable bathroom….. to say the least. Third day we drove for 10 hours and made it home by 7pm. First stop was Shopsy's for a salad since we were craving veggies (and truthfully I was a little bunged up- too much info?)
Since that day, I have been dealing with some “issues” with the condo, but those aside, the place is wonderful. The unit is the perfect size, and has so many amenities – pool, whirlpool, sauna/steam room, racquetball/squash/tennis courts, party rooms, video rooms for super bowl parties, etc, library, billiards room, fitness room with treadmills, ellipticals, ergs, free weights, universals, and flat screen TV’s, hobby room, underground car wash bay, in-suite laundry, and air conditioning. Who could ask for anything more?
It's odd to be back. I really thought Calgary or Vancouver would be my home for the next few years - and then this happened. I'm a firm believer of everything happening for a reason so I'm taking it in stride. It's comforting to be close to family again - my niece can now say my name (Merif) so that's a really cool feeling too. Can't wait to spend Christmas with my sister, niece, nephew and Mom. My friends out here feel like family too so it's a whole different sensation hanging with them. They take care of me out here. It's nice to let someone take charge once in a while.
Today was my first day at work. It was nice to be able to walk there and back – for the first time in my life. What a luxury….as usual, the first day was filling my brain with info, and trying to gauge personalities and working styles. I came home exhausted, but comfortable in that work environment. Looking forward to tomorrow.
More to come as it unfolds.
Hope everyone is well that is reading this. Drop me a line to say hello.
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